Tonga PM

Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni met with the president of Estonia, Alar Karis, on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Hu'akavameiliku emphasised climate change and oceans remain top priorities for Tonga.

The president of Estonia stressed crucial ties between the two nations, specifically on digital transformation and energy.

 Hu'akavameiliku received 14 votes while the Tongatapu MP Aisake 'Eke got 11 votes.

Eke had filed a motion for a vote of no confidence last week with 46 issues raised to support the call.

Hu'akavameiliku said he was happy the issue has been dealt with and he and the government can continue to do the work they were elected to do.

"I am grateful that the vote of no confidence has been dealt with and we can move on to working for the country and her people," he said.

This is the first time that the two leaders have met.

A statement from the PM’s Office said, “The two leaders discussed issues of critical importance for both countries, including climate change, maritime securities, cyber strategic technologies, development and global cooperation.”

“They met at the Korean Presidential Office on the day before the first Korea-Pacific Islands Summit held on 29 May.” 

The two met on Friday, 26 May 2023.

Ambassador Leger is based in Suva, Fiji, and concurrently the accredited Ambassador to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hu'akavameiliku made the official announcement at the Fifth Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers' Meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu, where delegations from Pacific Island Countries discussed how to accelerate the decarbonisation of the region’s energy and transport sectors.

Qian visited the Island Kingdom and met with PM Sovaleni at the St George Government Building last week.

Hu’akavameiliku said, “Tonga continues to appreciate the contribution China has offered for the achievement of Tonga’s national development goals through various grant aids that have either been completed or still under construction.”

Qian who was previously China’s Ambassador to Fiji was appointed Special Envoy in February this year.

Hu'akavameiliku noted his concerns when he met with New Zealand's Education Minister Jan Tinetti at the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (PEM) held in Auckland last week.

This is not the first time the issue has been brought up by the Tongan leader.

Earlier this year, he told media that he has reservations around tertiary fees with the New Zealand high commissioner.

But now he has escalated the matter to the leaders' level.

Hu’akavameiliku is in Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat on Friday.

The Tonga PM posted on his official Twitter account and said “Happy to arrive in #Fiji safely and Honored to be received by Guard of Honor at #NadiAirport.”

He is accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Paula Ma’u     

Sovaleni alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu were present at the naming of the squad last Friday.

In his address, the Tonga PM said “Thank you for your service to the country.”

Being the only female in Cabinet, ‘Utoikamanu reflected on her school years having played netball noting the game has changed over the years .

On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, she told the ladies “you have a whole nation’s prayers and support behind you.”

Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni issued a statement on Tuesday morning praising Mr Abe as a rare leader who took personal interest in strengthening relations between the countries.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama called Mr Abe a true friend to Fiji and a model for every leader.

Papua New Guinea's caretaker Prime Minister James Marape credited him for initiating numerous development projects in PNG.

And New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern described Mr Abe as a kind man who helped usher through many complex negotiations.